A recent study found marijuana’s legalization was tied to increases in hospitalizations for life-threatening heart problems.
Nationwide, many states have legalized marijuana to varying degrees, and federal regulators have eased restrictions on the drug. But health experts are sounding the alarm over the harm that marijuana may cause.
Researchers writing in BMJ Open found hospitalizations for atrial fibrillation, heart attack, and heart failure all rose following marijuana’s legalization in states like California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. The study examined data from more than 50 million hospital discharges between 2012 and 2018.
The study’s authors concluded that the study’s findings “support a cautious approach” to marijuana policy.
It’s worth pointing out that other researchers have found marijuana use doubles a person’s risk of death from heart disease.
THC — the main psychoactive substance in marijuana — has been tied to everything from heart disease and cancer to stroke, mental illness, and birth defects.
And contrary to popular belief, legalization in other states has actually emboldened drug cartels and increased the flow of illegal drugs across the country.
All of this underscores what we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.
Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.
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